Back again to the scene of my first HM last year, but this year I knew what to expect, and I had trained better. The only non-improvement was the weather, which somehow managed to be even worse than the year before.
So not a great start and a slow pen meant even the 2:30 pacers (whom I hoped to beat) were well ahead by the time we left the park. Never mind plenty of time to catch up. We ran straight into the wind and within a couple of miles we were climbing up the steep roads that lead to beachy head. They are tough and one-by-one all but the few succumbed to walking. My calves were screaming getting up that hill. Eventually a sharp turn at the top lead to a long, steep decline down the hill and the first water stop.
A nice run along the seaside - wind now pushing us on and we headed for sovereign harbour. Round this part is quite sheltered so the wind doesn't affect, but the bit where you run past the restaurants and the chip shop is quite tough mentally as the smell of food wafts over you.
After the harbour its back onto the seaside and it is here with a couple of mile to go that the wins really hits you. I fell in with a group running around a pacer and used them as both motivation and a human shield for the wind (any edge you can get, right). Back onto the main road and the wind died and so did my legs. I started to walk. The pacer caught me up, told me I was on for a sub 2:15 and there was only 500m metres left. It was all I needed and off I went again. Over the finish line and 10 minutes faster than last year.
I met up with my family and headed back to the car for a well-earned shower and lunch.
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Thank you Decker . Without them to run with I think I would have succumbed to walking (and lost my time gains). Just goes to show that when you think you've nothing lift what a little boost can do.
Well done! Shame about the weather as it can really put a dampener on your spirits can't it. You came good though so well done. I bet you were mightily relieved to have it finished though. Hot drink and warm clothes. I'm shivering now just thinking about it. Brrrrrr!
I hope your legs are feeling better. I've just come back from taking mine for a post race spin. In the wind! Tut
Especially as we had had such warm weather the week or two beforehand. Plenty of rest yesterday. Unfortunately, a long day at work, sitting at a desk, today which isn't helping. Everytime I get up my lower half has seized.
WEll done for getting up for a run today though. I fear I might need a little more time!
Thanks Abi. I am so thankful for that awesome pacers words towards the end of the race, he got me to run when I thought I had nothing more. I never got to thank him afterwards thoughxx
Great achievement Dave. Pacers are probably saints i think (when they keep time and encourage runners). Try an Epsom salts bath for your poor back.
Fantastic run, great result for you. All the sweeter for being hard fought I imagine. I love pacers - as you say, they can make a huge difference with just a little bit of encouragement. Have fun identifying your next challenge 😀
Thanks Marie. Yes they did a run too. Unfortunately I didn't get to see them, but they came in 3rd and 5th. Bit of a mix up at the presentation but my eldest got a trophy in the end. She hasn't been parted from it since. Although to be fair had I come 3rd in my race I would be pretty attached to the trophy too 😂
There's an adult/child relay race in August (one of the weeks junior parkrun is cancelled) if you fancy it? Think it's a mile each. Me and my son are hopefully going to do it - although he'll moan about how slow I am 😂
Thank Windoze It was a massive jump, and I know that if I hadn't faded in te last couple of miles it could have been more. Theres the incentive for the next one, I guess.
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Heck of a good run...and very good tip about using the Pacer as a windshield 
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